THE ASCENSION OF HEIMDALL

        On Kingdom Land, Friday, November 13, 1998


        Present: King Siegfried Queen Hella, Odin, Thor Frey Warlord Sir Hagen Prince Sir Dancwart Duke Heimdall, Lady Skuld, Lord Tyr, Lady Raven, Sir Rudiger, Brunhilde, Squire Eric Aurora Lan Lothar Phil Owen Mordrik Fesselt Grokk and Lady Saga

        The company assembled at Yggdrassil for the court of Odin, Allfather and Ruler of Asgard. The court of Odin called Duke Heimdall, escorted by Sir Rudiger and his squires.

        Odin: To begin your final step towards truly becoming one of my children, a sacrifice must be made. This sacrifice must be total and complete. Do you agree to this sacrifice in order to begin your journey.

        Heimdall agrees.

        Odin: Then by the power of the All-father, the life that was human, I take!

        He cuts Heimdall's throat, and he falls back to the floor, supported by Sir Rudiger and his squires. They cover his body with a white sheet.

        Odin:
        Transport this body to the Well of Mimir, that he may begin his journey. All must follow and bear witness.

        Sir Rudiger and his squires carry the body in state, following Odin and King Siegfried, Prince Sir Dancwart, Lord Thor. The body is followed directly behind by Lady Saga, followed by the lords and other loyal subjects of Uberheim.

        Arriving at the Rhine, they are ordered by Odin to place the body on the altar before the Well of Mimir.

        Odin:
        Uncover him and leave him bare on the altar!

        Odin stands over the Well of Mimir and faces the body of Heimdall laid out below. Odin raises his arms aloft.

        Odin:
        By the power of the All-father, I give you life to begin your journey. Sit now in vigil, until such time as I call you to my kingdom. At this point I give you over to the great King Siegfried. Rise and sit vigil!

        The body of Heimdall wakes and sits upon the altar

        Odin:
        I will await thee at Yggdrassil. Until then I know thee not!

        Odin exits.

        Prince Sir Dancwart goes to the altar and dresses the candidate in ceremonial robes of white. Each of the members of the royal court goes below to give the candidate good wishes.

        The boatman Harbard is summoned across the Rhine, and the candidate is led to the boat. He is thence taken to the sacred island to prepare himself in vigil. One at a time, the great lords and gods are taken across to speak with the candidate and prepare him for his ascendance.

        Upon the candidate's return, a procession is formed to lead him back to Yggdrasil. Prince Sir Dancwart and his squire Eric lead the way with swords drawn in honor.
        At Yggdrasil, an altar is set up, and Thor and Odin stand waiting. On the altar are candles, a golden apple, cruets, a flagon, a chalice, and the great hammer Mjollnir.

        Odin summons the candidate to him, and he approaches and kneels before the altar. Thor steps forward and reads from the traditional text of Ascension. Then Odin steps forward. He hands the candidate the chalice, saying

        Drink of this, the blood of Odin, and receive Wisdom
        He drinks

        Odin holds out the flagon, saying

        Drink of this, the Water of the Rhine, and become one with the Earth

        He drinks deeply of the water

        Odin says, "Finally, eat of this, the Golden Apple of Immortality, and assume your rightful place amongst the Gods"

        He takes a bite of the Apple

        Odin:
        Rise and be recognized, Heimdall, Guardian of Biforst!

        Heimdall stands and is greeted by his siblings and friends

        Back to Events
        Back to the Main Index
        Heimdall in Mythology